Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights or the eight-day Jewish celebration, is a Jewish festival memorializing the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple in the 2nd century BCE at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The holiday is marked by the lighting of the menorah, as well as traditional foods, games, and gifts. Let's learn more about this topic by reading this blog!
1. What Is The Date Of Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, is celebrated for eight nights and days beginning on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which can fall anytime between late November and late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated by lighting the candles on a candelabrum with nine branches, also known as a menorah or hanukkiah. Typically, one branch is placed above or below the others, and its candle is used to light the remaining eight candles. The shammash candle is a one-of-a-kind candle. The shammash lights one more candle each night until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival.
2. History of Hanukkah
The events that gave rise to the Hanukkah vacation occurred during a particularly turbulent period in Jewish history. Around 200 B.C., Antiochus III, the Seleucid king of Syria, took control of Judea, also known as the Land of Israel, and allowed the Jews who lived there to practice their religion. His son, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, was less benevolent: according to ancient sources, he effectively banned the Jewish religion and ordered Jews to worship Greek gods. His soldiers descended on Jerusalem in 168 B.C., slaughtering thousands of people and desecrating the city's holy Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs within its sacred walls. A large-scale rebellion against Antiochus and the Seleucid monarchy erupted, led by the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons. When Matthathias died in 166 B.C., his son Judah, also known as Judah Maccabee ("the Hammer"), took command; within two years, the Jews had successfully driven the Syrians out of Jerusalem, largely through guerilla warfare tactics. Judah enjoined his followers to cleanse the Second Temple, rebuild its altar, and light its menorah—the gold candelabrum with seven branches that represented knowledge and creation and was meant to be lit every night.
3. Facts About Hanukkah You Probably Didn't Know
3.1. The Meaning of Hanukkah Is "Dedication"
The holiday memorializes the victory of the Maccabees, a band of rebel Jews who reclaimed their temple from the Greek Syrians.
3.2. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight nights in order to honor how long the Holy Light burned.
The temple needed a holy light to be lit at all times, but the Jews only had enough oil to last one night. The light miraculously lasted eight days.
3.3. Gifts Were Not Always Given For Hanukkah
It was once customary for people to give money to one another during Hanukkah. However, as Christmas became more popular, an increasing number of Jewish people began to give gifts instead.
3.4. Why Are Hanukkah Dishes Fried?
Latkes, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), apple fritters, kugel- most of the food served at Hanukkah is fried. It's not a coincidence that during Hanukkah, people fry their food in oil as a symbol of the miracle oil that burned for eight nights straight.
3.5. Grand Army Plaza in New York is said to be the world's largest menorah
This year, the 32-foot-tall, 4,000-pound Menorah will be lit every night from December 2nd to December 9th.
3.6. Hanukkah Isn't the Most Important Jewish Holiday
Jewish holidays such as Passover and Rosh Hashanah are far more important to the religion.
3.7. Harry Truman was the first president to observe Hanukkah in the White House.
He accepted a Menorah as a gift from Israel's Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, in 1951.
3.8. There Is No "Right" Way To Spell Hanukkah.
You may have heard the holiday spelled Hanukkah, Hannukah, Chanukah, and so on. The most common spelling is Hanukkah, but all of the spellings are correct. Because there is no direct translation of Hebrew sounds into English, they can be spelled in a variety of ways, all of which are equally correct.
3.9 The famous Dreidel, or four-sided spinning top, was invented as a diversion.
Because the Greek-Syrians had forbidden Jewish studies, the Jews spun dreidels to pretend they were just playing games while studying their scripture.
3.10 During Hanukkah, Israel consumes over 17.5 million jelly donuts.
Many of the holiday's festive foods are prepared in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil lasting eight days, particularly the family favorite sufganiyot (or jelly donuts).
3.11 The word "Hanukkah" is derived from the Hebrew word "Hinuch," which means "to teach."
On this holiday, Jews incentivize their children to learn Torah by giving them gelt, or gold-wrapped chocolates shaped like coins. Gelt can also be won by playing Dreidel!
4. Easy Hanukkah Recipes
4.1. Simple Latkes
Latkes are one of the most common Hanukkah recipes, and fortunately, they are also simple to prepare, even for a large group. This version includes only seven simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen.
4.2. Kugel
Noodle kugel can be sweet or savory, and this versatile casserole can be made ahead of time.
4.3. Braised Beef Brisket
A Hanukkah meal would be incomplete without a hearty main course of braised beef brisket. This is a recipe that can be started a day ahead of time. The majority of the time spent on this recipe is spent in the oven, allowing the meat to become tender. The maximum prep time is only 25 minutes, while the cooking time is a few hours, while your oven is doing the majority of the work here!
4.4. Challah
Making any type of bread, especially one that looks so beautiful, can be offputting, but don't worry! This recipe is simple to make and will result in a healthy challah that will impress the entire family.
4.5. Hasselback Butternut Squash
This side dish will impress your guests and family. It's stunning, and the most difficult part is peeling the squash. Then, for the stunning hasselback style, simply roast and carefully slice the squash halves, and the flavors are easily customizable.
4.6. Matzo Ball Soup
Matzo ball soup is a traditional Jewish dish. This recipe couldn't be clearer: seven ingredients and three steps. This is one side you'll want to make plenty of because your guests will be asking for seconds of this flavorful sauce. And, fortunately for you, it is extremely simple to prepare in large quantities! Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the winter.
4.7. Babka
Babka is a delicious addition to a Hanukkah spread. This recipe is forgiving of inexperienced bakers.
4.8. Rugelach
Rugelach is a filled pastry dessert that will disappear quickly from your dessert spread. The dough and filling ingredients are simple, as well as the whole process is simple.
4.9. Gravlax
Salmon is a popular Hanukkah main course, but it also goes well with latkes. Gravlax is a sophisticated addition to the dinner table; it goes perfectly with latkes and takes only 10 minutes to prepare.
4.10 Vegetables and Roast Chicken
This is a main and side dish combo that can be prepared on the same roasting tray. It's a great way to feed a large group quickly.
